To anyone wanting active vbac at QMC Nottingham

[PhoenixRising]

Hello,
My name is Liz and am booked in to QMC, Nottingham to have my second baby in the New Year under consultant care (previous C-Section).
I am definitely going for a vbac and would really like to be able to have a normal active labour and hopefully use the pool. However, they want to continuously monitor to watch for uterine rupture which would basically mean being attached to the bed.
The midwives are keen to obtain a wireless / waterproof monitor that would mean mums could be as active as they wanted and use the pool whilst being continuously monitored so I thought I would put together a petition to show demand.
So if any of you lovely ladies are intending to labour at QMC and have been (or are likely to be) advised to have continuous monitoring but would prefer the option of an active birth (possibly using water) please could you sign our petition (web address below). Hopefully this simple compromise will become a realistic and available option if not in time for us then at least for ladies in the future.

www.activebirthmonitoring.co.uk

Many thanks

PS I hope this doesn't contravene any forum rules - there is no advertising or gain to me personally but please let me know if this isn't allowed as I don't want to step on any toes

 

[Girly922]

Although I have had my baby, and didn't use the QMC, I have signed your petition. I used to work at the QMC, and for the size of the hospital I cannot believe they are unable to facilitate this!

Hope you get the birth you want

 

[patch2006uk]

I agree that they should be able to facilitate this kind of request. Just remember that they can't monitor you constantly without consent. If you want to remain active, then you have every right to do so. If you're finding you're hitting your head against brick walls, contact the head of midwifery (HOM) or the supervisor (SOM) and tell them what you want to happen, and what you do and don't want or consent to.

It's also worth researching on how poor continuous monitoring is as an indication of rupture. The baby's heart rate would be one of the later things to be effected. If they're watching you - your pulse, BP, your temperature and general mood (rupture will cause signs of clinical shock that are hard to miss if looked out for) - then continuous monitoring isn't necessary and doesn't improve outcomes for mom or baby any more than intermittent monitoring!